Celia Sladek

Celia D. Sladek, Ph.D.

Professor
Department of Physiology and Biophysics
UCD at Fitzsimons

RC-1 North Tower, P18-7127. PO Box 6511, Mail Stop F8307. Tel (303) 724-4526. Fax (303) 724-4501.
Email celia.sladek@UCHSC.edu

Celia's Curriculum vitae



Keywords: Neuroendocrinology; Vasopressin; Oxytocin; Osmoreception; Gene Regulation

The major focus of my laboratory has been understanding the mechanisms that regulate gene expression and secretion of the hormones, vasopressin (also called antidiuretic hormone) and oxytocin. They are produced by neurons in the hypothalamus, are released from the neurohypophysis into the blood stream, and regulate respectively the two functions that are hallmarks of mammalian physiology: formation of a concentrated urine by the kidneys and mammary gland function.

A unique aspect of this program has been the development and extensive use of an organ-cultured explant preparation of the hypothalamo-neurohypophyseal system that allows study of hormone release and gene expression in an in vitro system. The explant also includes osmoreceptive elements critical for the regulation of vasopressin secretion. Thus, it has significantly advanced our understanding of the mechanisms underlying fluid and electrolyte disturbances observed clinically (e.g. in congestive heart failure, schizophrenia, and aging). These explants are currently being used to evaluate the role of neurotransmitters and steroid hormones in the regulation of vasopressin and oxytocin secretion.

Dispersed primary hypothalamic cultures are also being used to investigate the signals important in regulation of oxytocin and vasopressin gene expression. An example of a neuron from these cultures is shown below. It could either be an oxytocin neuron, as oxytocin is known as the ‘love hormone’ or it could be a vasopressin neuron reflecting the role of vasopressin in regulating cardiovascular function. Other techniques employed in the laboratory include immunocytochemistry, in situ hybridization, image analysis, radioimmunoassay, and mRNA extraction, quantification, and characterization using Northern analysis and RNA protection assays.

   


Recent Publications:


Sladek, C.D. Antidiuretic Hormone: Synthesis and Release. In: Handbook of Physiology Section 7: Endocrinology Volume III: Hormonal Regulation of Water and Electrolyte Balance. Ed: John C.S. Fray, Oxford University Press, pp 436-495, 2000.

Kapoor, J.R. and C.D. Sladek, Purinergic and Adrenergic Agonists Synergize in Stimulating Vasopressin and Oxytocin Release. J. Neuroscience 20: 8868-8875, 2000.

Song, Z., H.E. Sidorowicz, and C.D. Sladek. cAMP Stimulation of Vasopressin and Oxytocin Release and Regulation of Vasopressin mRNA Stability: Role of Auto-Facilitation. J. Neuroendocrinol.13:158-165, 2001.

Morsette D.L., H.E. Sidorowicz, and C.D. Sladek. Role of Non-NMDA receptors in vasopressin and oxytocin release from rat hypothalamo-neurohypophyseal explants. Am. J. Physiol.Reg. Integrative Comp. Physiol. 280:R313-R322, 2001.

Kapoor, J.R. and C.D. Sladek, Substance P and NPY differentially potentiate ATP and Adrenergic Stimulated Vasopressin and Oxytocin Release. Am. J. Physiol. 280:R69-R78, 2001.

Morsette, D.L., H.E. Sidorowicz, and C.D. Sladek. Role of Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors in vasopressin and oxytocin release from rat hypothalamo-neurohypophyseal explants. Am. J. Physiol. 281:R452-R45, 2001.

Song, Z. and C.D. Sladek. Effect of Forskolin and Exogenously Administered Oxytocin mRNA on Oxytocin Release by Dispersed Hypothalamic Cultures. Experimental Neurology 171:246-254, 2001.